TUSCALOOSA — There’s no doubt they’ll be adding another slab of concrete around Nick Saban’s statue, according to South Dakota native Michael Fritz.

To him, Saban’s success in the world of college football is unbelievable, and it’s a guarantee his future will include more national championship titles that will need to be engraved around him.

The highest paid coach in college football, admiration for Saban runs deep throughout the state, and across the country. Some say he's the best college coach ever.

Having won the University of Alabama five national championships since taking over as head coach in 2009 (six total in his career), space around his statue is running low.

Attending the Iron Bowl for the first time, Fritz was accompanied by his father, wife and three children. The family had drove from Clear Lake, South Dakota for a weeklong vacation in Gulf Shores before making the stop in Tuscaloosa on their way back home.

They became Alabama fans after meeting a Birmingham couple in Gulf Shores during another vacation about four years ago. Talking sports over some drinks at the Pink Pony Pub, the Fritz family’s love for Alabama commenced.

It was a must to get a photo with Saban before watching the game then starting their 17-hour trek back home.

Nataki Ruggs, center, talks with her son Kevontae Ruggs, Ole Miss linebacker, as the Ruggs family and the family of Mack Wilson tailgate together before the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 24, 2018. Mickey Welsh

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Saban is tied with former University of Alabama coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant for the most national championships. Bryant won six for the school, but the line in front of his statue didn't compare with the line of fans waiting for a Saban-selfie spot Saturday morning before the game.

"He’s probably the best coach ever, even better than the Bear. He is the G.O.A.T.," said Jamie Barrows after having his picture taken.

Standing at 9-feet tall, Saban's statue differs from the other four Alabama coaches honored in the Walk of Champions.

His stature is indicative of his demeanor during games — a request he and his wife made to the designer, Jeremy Davis, Davis told the Crimson White in 2015.

It is unclear if the initial designers of the Walk of Champions considered the possibility that a coach might need more space than what was given to each.

Michael Fritz stands with his wife, Dawn, children Kensington and Sutton, and his father, Steve Fritz outside Bryant-Denny stadium before the 2018 Iron Bowl. The family is from Clear Lake, South Dakota.(Photo: Krista Johnson)

The Jandran family traveled from Fort Walton, Florida, to attend the Iron Bowl. Standing in front of the stadium near Saban’s statue, Shannon Jandran explained that he has been an Alabama fan since birth.

His five children have followed suit, having grown up in a home filled with elephants and a Houndstooth wall in the dining room.

His youngest daughter, Kayla Jandran, was born two days before an Alabama vs. Michigan game “because she knew we had to be home for that,” he said.

Pointing to Saban's bronze belt, Shannon Jandran lifted his shirt slightly to show that his belt matched, adding another layer of proof to his Crimson Tide dedication.

Denise Myhand became an Alabama fan after marrying into the sport, taking the hand of her husband, Jay, about five years ago. Standing in front of the Saban statue, she made a confession: “I am indifferent to Alabama, but I am a big Saban fan.”

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Alabama fans take photos with a statue of Nick Saban outside of the stadium before the Iron Bowl. (Photo: Kirsten Fiscus/Advertiser)

She pointed to his work ethic and commitment to excellence, which is why she had to get a picture with him before her and Jay's first Iron Bowl experience.

It was one of three goals for the couple's first Iron Bowl experience, next to eating good food and witnessing some Tua Tagovailoa-to-Jerry Jeudy action.

To her husband, an Alabama fan since birth, Saban represented a changing tide for his team. The late '80s and early '90s were tough years for Alabama fans, he said, making Saban's arrival a "godsend."

After this season for the top-ranked Tide, the school may have to add to his display.